Kinesiology and Sports Injury Taping
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The benefits of Kinesiology and Sports taping are so extensive and so varied, it has earned the nickname “magic tape.”
From sprained ankles, rounded shoulders, postural adjustments to supporting knees, relieving headaches, improving athletic performance and reducing plantar fasciitis to name but a few, taping is an amazing example of a versatile treatment as up to 4 areas can be treated at once.
Taping can be incorporated into any deep tissue and sports massage treatment if required!
Following are some of the features that make it unique:
• It is effective on its own, but can be combined with other therapeutic modes of treatment for even greater impact
• It is worn around the clock for several days, providing therapeutic benefits the entire time
• It is one of the least expensive but most effective therapeutic treatments available
• It has no side effects and few contraindications
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Read on for the science!!!!
The physical benefits of kinesiology tape include:
Pain Relief
Although it contains no medications or topical substances, kinesiology tape can effectively relieve both acute and chronic pain. Its elasticity lifts the skin slightly, which immediately reduces pressure on sensitive pain receptors under the skin.
In addition, its stimulating effect on pain pathways provides a competitive stimulus that blocks pain signals going to the brain.
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Reduced Swelling and Inflammation
Reduced pressure on the lymphatic drainage channels enhances removal of fluids and other materials that collect in an injured area. This applies not only to sports injuries, but also to post-surgical recovery and other inflammatory conditions, including lymphedema.
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Accelerated Recovery from Sprains, Bruises and Contusions
One of the most dramatic effects of kinesiology taping is the removal of blood that accumulates under the skin due to bruising. The tape is applied in a fan pattern over the bruised area and the bruising is dissipated via the same lifting mechanism described above.
Within a couple of days, a distinct fan pattern can be seen where the tape was applied over a bruised area.
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Prevents and/or Relieves Muscle Spasms and Cramping
Enhanced circulation improves delivery of oxygen and nutrients to overused or fatigued muscles, helping to prevent or relieve spasms and cramps.
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Speedier Recovery of Overused Muscles
Fatigued, overused muscles contain lactic acid that contribute to pain and stiffness and limit the ability to continue exercising. When kinesiology tape is used over these areas, enhanced removal of the lactic acid allows for more rapid recovery. Combined with improved delivery of oxygen via enhanced blood flow, this could translate into improved performance in an endurance event or more complete recovery between repetitive, high intensity events.
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Supports Injured Muscles and Joints without Restricting Range of Motion
The unique elastic properties and application techniques of kinesiology tape allow it to provide support to injured muscles or joints without restricting range of motion.
This is one of the most important benefits of kinesiology taping for competitive athletes. Depending on how it is applied, kinesiology tape can prevent either overstretching or over-contraction of injured muscles. When combined with its pain relieving and anti-inflammatory properties, this can allow athletes to continue training and/or competing as their injuries heal.
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